A former Blackberry employee in California is suing the company’s new CEO John Giamatteo for sexual harassment and retaliation. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, allleges Giametteo harassed the employee in 2021 and that the behavior lasted several months, creating a hostile work environment. The suit also alleges that after the behavior was reported, Blackberry leadership retaliated against the plaintiff.
Case background
The plaintiff, who is known as Jane Doe in court documents, worked in Blackberry’s software division. She claims that the Giamatteo made sexual advances toward her multiple times during her employment, which she reported to past CEO John Chen. After making this report, Ms. Doe alleges that Giamatteo retaliated by excluding her from meetings, spreading rumors that she was uncollaborative, and threatening her career. Ms. Doe made another report in early 2023 to human resources. Ultimately, in December 2023, Blackberry informed Ms. Doe that she was being terminated as part of restructuring. Shortly after this announcement, Giamatteo was named new chief executive.
Blackberry denies all Plaintiff’s allegations, stating her claims are false. The company asserts that it takes allegations of sexual harassment seriously and conducts thorough investigations when an employee reports such behavior.
Harassment and retaliation violating California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act
Plaintiff seeks compensation and punitive damages for what she contends are violations of the state’s Fair Employment and Housing Act.
The court has not yet set a date for trial.
Unfortunately, workplace sexual harassment and retaliation happen regularly. This is a high-profile case because of the specific company and the alleged perpetrator being the CEO; however, it is an all-too-common in many businesses.
If you feel you have been the victim of sexual harassment or retaliation for reporting it, you should contact an employment lawyer to advise you of your legal rights.